Amomum villosum

Amomum villosum, “Amomum” or “Villous amomum” in English, “Cardamome médicinale” in French and “Sha Ren” in pin yin (Chinese), belongs to the Zingiberaceae botanical family.

It is a perennial herb growing to 3 m, in the wild in tropical forests of South-East Asia and India. It is cultivated in China and in India.

Its dried ripe fruits are used mainly in Chinese Traditional Medicine and are registered in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. They are used in the treatment of gastrointestinal bloating, spasms and pains, and to stabilize pregnancy.

Fruits contain an essential oil (at least 3%), bornyl acetate being the main molecular compound (about 50%).

• English name Amomum
• French name Cardamome médicinale
• Chinese name Sharen